Dorking it up in central Florida by way of Fresno, Boston, and San Jose.

June 07, 2014

May Empties

Once more, I am amazed at how many products I tried/finished during the month of May. This month there were a lot of things that I really liked, primarily in the skincare realm, that I would definitely investigate more.

Something that was really brought home to me this month is that one of the best things I can do for my skin is use a rich, ultra-hydrating moisturizer as part of my nighttime routine. This has really made a big difference in how my skin looks/feels overall and the better my skin is, the less foundation and powder I need to use each day.

So, let's get to the empties and my feelings about them, shall we? If you stay through the the end of this (and it's LONG) I've got some random bits and bobs of news to share with you!

It surprises me that I like this fragrance, but I really do. It's a great Spring/Summer fragrance if you want something light and floral but not cloying. It's true - I would absolutely consider purchasing a full-sized version of this (I KNOW!)

I got this in the sample package of my New Beauty Test Tube. I didn’t think that I'd use it until I realized I had forgotten to put on deodorant on a 100 degree day here in Fresno and didn't have time to shower before I went out for dinner. I used this and felt like it helped neutralize any natural odor I was throwing off rather than just cover it up. Would consider purchasing these for travel!

Yes

Katy Perry

Killer Queen

N/A

Sample

Nope. I wore this one day and knew that it was far too cloying and not nearly as complex a fragrance as I typically like. It's got too strong an artificial fragrance smell.

Guys - I totally bought into the hype around this product and I love it. I love how this smells (I'm OBSESSED with how this smells). On days where I wear skirts or dresses or sleeveless tops, this product is amazing for giving a lovely sheen to my skin. If you have very dry skin, avoid this product - it is not super moisturizing.

Yes

Caress

Endless Kiss

Creamy Vanilla & Sandalwood

$ 4.19

I went through the other two versions of this I purchased FAST and this one took me FOREVER to get through. I love how it cleanses, but I just didn't love this scent. I'm finishing something else up now, but then I'll pick up another Caress body wash or two!

I purchased a travel size version of this and then immediately went out and purchased the full-size version. I haven't been without it since then. This significantly reduces the amount of time it takes me to dry my hair, and that of course helps keep my hair healthier since I'm not exposing it to so much heat.

I still love this and I find the claims to be true. When I use this on Day 1 hair, my style is so easy to re-create on Day 2. I love this stuff, seriously.

Yes

Beauty Protector

Protect & Detangle Leave-in Conditioner

N/A

Sample

I got this as part of a subscription box service. Based on its claims, this is a miracle product, but for me…well, it was just a nice detangler. I use a detangler every day, even on dry hair, to add some moisture to my chemically treated hair, and I didn't find this product to be anything special. I prefer the It's a 10 Light to this.

No

Living Proof

Restore Mask Treatment

N/A

$28.00

I received this in a Living Proof - Restore kit that I purchased at Ulta. I wanted to love this product, but I didn't find that it was any more hydrating than some other hair masks that I've used, which is to say that I’m underwhelmed overall. For the cost of a full size version of this, I will try some other products and see if I can find one that performs with more noticeable results.

This is an expensive setting spray, but oh my god, I love it. It's literally like hairspray for the face. You spray it and then you are SET. It took me a while to get used to it after using the UD setting sprays for a long time. Once I did get used to this, though, I fell totally in love. I already have another bottle of this and I"m working through my UD setting spray now in anticipation of going back to this one!

Yes

Ramy

Lipstick

Ramy Red!

$ 17.00

This is an old lipstick that I kept in my collection for nostalgia. This is too matte for me now. It was beautiful when I purchased it in Boston back in…2001? Yikes.

I have been using this every morning before I put on my primer and I really, really enjoy this product. It just feels lovely on the skin, and at almost 40, I need to be much more mindful of trying things that add moisture or hydrate my skin. I already have another bottle of this in rotation. After I finish that I am going to switch back to the MAC charged water and see if I get the same results (I think the MAC product is less expensive - we'll see!)

Yes

Clinique

High Impact Mascara

01 Black

Sample

This is a nice mascara, but it isn't as dramatic as I want, although it's called High Impact. The formula is drier than I like and it didn't add the volume or length. If you're looking for a more natural mascara, though, this may work well for you!

I liked the brush on this - it's a natural bristle brush, with an hourglass shape, and a good length/width, but I didn't love the formula. It is a very dry formula and it doesn’t provide the volume/length drama I want. There are many superior drugstore mascaras that can be purchased at a much lower price point.

No

Lush

Colour Supplement

Light Pink

$ 16.95

I purchased this before I knew that I had yellow/warm undertones. This just never looked good on me because of the wrong undertones. Would definitely not repurchase this color.

I do love these lip balms. They aren't the most moisturizing, and they aren't even always easy to use (I find myself cleaning the ridges of them almost obsessively) but yet I still buy new ones when I see one I don't already own. These are NOT great products - they're gimmicky and easy to throw in your purse.

Yes

CVS

100% Acetone Nail Polish Remover

N/A

$ 3.99

I know that using 100% acetone is bad for my nails, but this stuff gets nail polish off so quickly and I am so impatient that I used the whole thing. I've got other removers in my collection that I am working through that aren't acetone, so I'm giving my nails a bit of a break before I buy more of this. But I WILL buy more of this.

Yes

Evian

Facial Spray

N/A

$ 7.00

Bought as part of a two pack in the Sephora checkout line. There are many other toners/misters that I like better and I found that with both of these products, the nozzle stopped working while there was still product in the canister. I would definitely NOT repurchase.

Received in a subscription box. I liked this okay, and didn't find it too drying, but wasn't impressed enough with any visible results to purchase the full product. Has a light, lemony scent that is not offensive.

No

Liberta

Baby Foot Deep Skin Exfoliation

N/A

$ 25.00

I know so many people rave about this, but it didn't work at all for me. I followed the directions but never found that it removed dead skin on my feet (god that's gross to type). Would not repurchase.

No

Tarte

Maracuja C-brighter eye treatment

N/A

Sample

This came as part of the Tarte holiday 2013 collection. I finished it, and I liked it, but I don't really need a brightening eye cream as much as I need a hydrating one. I don't have issues with dark circles or anything like that. I am mostly trying to plump the area to make my eye wrinkles less noticeable. It's a good product, but not for me at this point in time.

No

Origins

Plantscription anti-aging moisturizer

N/A

Sample

The best thing about this moisturizer is that it has SPF 25 (broad spectrum). I really liked this, but didn't notice any true difference in my skin after a few week's worth of uses. There are other moisturizers that I like better, although I generally enjoy Origins products.

I am so excited to finally have a Lush store in Fresno! I took five empty containers back recently and got this Brazened Honey face mask for free (I have it on my face as I type, actually). I do face masks frequently enough that I can actually use the entire Lush mask within a week of its expiration date. I really do love this mask - it is both hydrating and clearing. I've used it almost every other day when I've been home and it is amazing. I am definitely going to purchase this again once I've give some other masks some love.

I ran out of serums a while ago (I was testing all the serums, if you remember) and stumbled across this at the drugstore. I'm kind of a skincare snob (ignore the harsh toners I use - I'm looking at you, Cass) and so I wanted to give some drugstore products a try. To be honest? I really liked this serum and my skin reacted well to it. Now that I'm using the Tarte Maracuja Oil, we will see just what benefits (if any) I received from the L'Oreal product since I'm NOT using it!

Yes

Mario Badescu

Strawberry Face Scrub

N/A

$ 15.00

I picked up a bunch of Mario Badescu products on HauteLook a few months ago and this was one of them. I used this as the final step in my evening cleansing routine and honestly I did not like the product. The exfoliating bits were too big and too harsh and too FEW and it just made this product very weird. In the evenings I am looking for a deep cleanse to ensure that I get all makeup out of my pores and this was just...no.

Wow. I only got two evening uses out of this, but I loved how this felt on my skin in the evening. It was hydrating but didn't break me out and I felt like my skin looked and felt really lovely and plump when I used this. Would definitely consider purchasing.

I only got a few uses out of this so I can't really give a true opinion. I wish it didn't have a fragrance in it, but other than that I would consider purchasing.

Yes

F*Y

Face Wrap - Avocado & Vitamin E

N/A

Sample

I received this is my New Beauty Test Tube. It wasn't particularly hydrating or luxurious feeling, but I did enjoy it. I don't know that I'd go out of my way to find it, but if I saw it discounted at a TJ Maxx, I'd consider picking it up. How's that for a ringing endorsement?

I only got a few uses of this, but I did like it. I used this as a day moisturizer for the few days I had it. I have a deluxe Algenist sample in my queue and I'm assuming I'll be able to give a more thoughtful opinion once I use that.

This claims to reduce visible signs of stress and flare-ups including skin fatigue and redness with Rose Gallica Abotanical Extract, Mannose and Chamomile. This was also a sample packet so I only got a few uses out of it, but I did like how it felt on my skin. The claims are really interesting to me - my skin reacts strongly to stress and environmental factors, so I'm interested in getting a larger sample from my local Kiehl's counter and trying it over a more extended period of time.

I love the rose sleeping facial so I am already pre-disposed to love this as well. I got three evening uses out of this and LOVED it. I'm learning that because I use an exfoliating cleanser in the evening, combined with my aging skin, means that a heavier, more hydrating moisturizer in the evening is just the thing I need to ensure I keep my skin nice and hydrated.

This doesn't seem to have any added fragrance and is very hydrating. I was able to use this for a few weeks and I liked how it felt on my skin in the evenings. Again - I use hydrating moisturizers in the evening, not in the morning, in order to help my skin repair from the abuse I heap upon it during the day.

Folks - if you don't know about konjac sponges, you need to. Go to Amazon and buy one from Dew Puff - I don't care if it is the original, charcoal, or the clay version, but buy one. These sponges are AMAZING and there's no reason at all to spend the money that Boscia is charging for these at Sephora. These sponges are made from konjac root and when you get them wet they become the most amazing cleansers. You do need to replace them every two months or so.

I've been interested in this line's skincare so was excited when I got this sample. Since I was only able to use it for a few days, I can't speak to much other than the feel was good, the SPF is great, and there's no fragrance to irritate my skin.

I really did like this eye cream. It was thick, smoothing, and hydrating. If you don't like thick, silicone-feeling types of eye creams, you will NOT like this. I found it to be great for me and my aging under eyes!

I used to use Bliss products all the time but have gotten away from them in the last year or so. I found this sample cleanser and decided to finish it up before moving onto something new. I do like how this smells (light, not cloying) and how it cleanses (this was one step in my morning cleansing routine and I liked that it was foaming but not TOO foaming). Would consider purchasing a full-size.

I purchased this as part of a skin care kit while I was traveling in St. Louis in January (I was also sick with the plague. What a horrible trip.) and I really enjoyed this as a second step in my morning cleansing routine. My skin is still acne prone, and the salicylic acid in this helps keep break outs at bay. I already have another one of these in my shower!

I purchased this to be my travel primer and I liked it, but I've figured out something about my morning makeup routine that makes me think I didn't give this a fair shake. So I'm going to try this again and see if I like it better with my new, revised morning makeup routine (it involves NOT using my It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness which I thought was my HG pre-foundation product but maybe is NOT.).

Yes

Ole Henriksen

Truth Crème Advanced Hydration

N/A

Sample

I do like this moisturizer, but I don't find it to be exceptional enough to purchase a full-size version of it. I find the orange-y smell to be too sicky-sweet and so even though the scent does go away, I just don't want to use it.

This was a very very hydrating sheet mask from Beauty Diary. I was worried that this one might have an unpleasant scent (I had nothing to make me believe that - it wasn't a rationale concern) but it was just fine and like I mentioned, it was very hydrating and did not break me out.

I picked these and another variety of these makeup remover pads a couple of months ago when they were on sale at the drug store. I don't have a lot of experience with Almay products and was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked these. My goal is always to remove my eye makeup with as little scrubbing as necessary to protect the delicate skin around the eyes as well as my eyelashes. I was able to use two pads to remove my eye makeup almost entirely and then the rest of my evening cleansing routine took care of the rest of my makeup. I will pick these up again (probably as soon as I see Almay products on sale again).

As I've mentioned in my recent empties, I have switched to using a more hydrating moisturizer overnight as a way to ensure that my skin, even though it tends towards oiliness, is effectively moisturized. I only got a few uses out of this particular moisturizer, but I really, really liked how it felt on my skin after application and when I woke up in the morning. Would definitely consider purchasing a full-size.

If you haven't figured out by now how much I love these, well…then I'm doing a terrible job at blogging about them because I LOVE THESE KONJAC SPONGES and have not been without one for over two years. I do like to have this charcoal sponge in my shower for my morning cleansing routine. If you do decide to check these out, just keep in mind that you'll need to replace them every month to two months.

Yes

Okay, for some randomness:

I'm on a makeup no-buy for June and July. I am giving myself a hall pass for the trip we are taking to Las Vegas at the end of July. Because...SHOPPING IN LAS VEGAS.

I've been making some notes for some different series I would like to do for the blog. I do like doing these empties posts (for myself as much as for anyone else who might get a benefit from them) but I'm also thinking that I'd like to do a series on the makeup I bring when I travel and what I end up using and not using. I think I will also do some collection posts - looking at specific brands (when I only have a few products) or specific types of products (when there are enough to warrant it). Since I'm on the no-buy, I'll also be doing some "Shop my Stash" posts as well as a couple of drugstore only products weeks.

We've got some really fun travel coming up this summer that I am really looking forward to. We'll be celebrating a friend's 40th birthday in Paso Robles, CA, then heading to Boston, MA for family fun, then to Las Vegas at the end of July for Mike's birthday, then to St. Louis for a friend's wedding at the end of August and then it's more birthday fun (MINE!) and wedding fun (my step-daughter's)!

I hope that everyone has planned for the summer the types of activities that make them the happiest. I know that I am definitely looking forward this summer and to spending time with all of my favorite people (and pups).

Comments

May Empties

Once more, I am amazed at how many products I tried/finished during the month of May. This month there were a lot of things that I really liked, primarily in the skincare realm, that I would definitely investigate more.

Something that was really brought home to me this month is that one of the best things I can do for my skin is use a rich, ultra-hydrating moisturizer as part of my nighttime routine. This has really made a big difference in how my skin looks/feels overall and the better my skin is, the less foundation and powder I need to use each day.

So, let's get to the empties and my feelings about them, shall we? If you stay through the the end of this (and it's LONG) I've got some random bits and bobs of news to share with you!

It surprises me that I like this fragrance, but I really do. It's a great Spring/Summer fragrance if you want something light and floral but not cloying. It's true - I would absolutely consider purchasing a full-sized version of this (I KNOW!)

I got this in the sample package of my New Beauty Test Tube. I didn’t think that I'd use it until I realized I had forgotten to put on deodorant on a 100 degree day here in Fresno and didn't have time to shower before I went out for dinner. I used this and felt like it helped neutralize any natural odor I was throwing off rather than just cover it up. Would consider purchasing these for travel!

Yes

Katy Perry

Killer Queen

N/A

Sample

Nope. I wore this one day and knew that it was far too cloying and not nearly as complex a fragrance as I typically like. It's got too strong an artificial fragrance smell.

Guys - I totally bought into the hype around this product and I love it. I love how this smells (I'm OBSESSED with how this smells). On days where I wear skirts or dresses or sleeveless tops, this product is amazing for giving a lovely sheen to my skin. If you have very dry skin, avoid this product - it is not super moisturizing.

Yes

Caress

Endless Kiss

Creamy Vanilla & Sandalwood

$ 4.19

I went through the other two versions of this I purchased FAST and this one took me FOREVER to get through. I love how it cleanses, but I just didn't love this scent. I'm finishing something else up now, but then I'll pick up another Caress body wash or two!

I purchased a travel size version of this and then immediately went out and purchased the full-size version. I haven't been without it since then. This significantly reduces the amount of time it takes me to dry my hair, and that of course helps keep my hair healthier since I'm not exposing it to so much heat.

I still love this and I find the claims to be true. When I use this on Day 1 hair, my style is so easy to re-create on Day 2. I love this stuff, seriously.

Yes

Beauty Protector

Protect & Detangle Leave-in Conditioner

N/A

Sample

I got this as part of a subscription box service. Based on its claims, this is a miracle product, but for me…well, it was just a nice detangler. I use a detangler every day, even on dry hair, to add some moisture to my chemically treated hair, and I didn't find this product to be anything special. I prefer the It's a 10 Light to this.

No

Living Proof

Restore Mask Treatment

N/A

$28.00

I received this in a Living Proof - Restore kit that I purchased at Ulta. I wanted to love this product, but I didn't find that it was any more hydrating than some other hair masks that I've used, which is to say that I’m underwhelmed overall. For the cost of a full size version of this, I will try some other products and see if I can find one that performs with more noticeable results.

This is an expensive setting spray, but oh my god, I love it. It's literally like hairspray for the face. You spray it and then you are SET. It took me a while to get used to it after using the UD setting sprays for a long time. Once I did get used to this, though, I fell totally in love. I already have another bottle of this and I"m working through my UD setting spray now in anticipation of going back to this one!

Yes

Ramy

Lipstick

Ramy Red!

$ 17.00

This is an old lipstick that I kept in my collection for nostalgia. This is too matte for me now. It was beautiful when I purchased it in Boston back in…2001? Yikes.

I have been using this every morning before I put on my primer and I really, really enjoy this product. It just feels lovely on the skin, and at almost 40, I need to be much more mindful of trying things that add moisture or hydrate my skin. I already have another bottle of this in rotation. After I finish that I am going to switch back to the MAC charged water and see if I get the same results (I think the MAC product is less expensive - we'll see!)

Yes

Clinique

High Impact Mascara

01 Black

Sample

This is a nice mascara, but it isn't as dramatic as I want, although it's called High Impact. The formula is drier than I like and it didn't add the volume or length. If you're looking for a more natural mascara, though, this may work well for you!

I liked the brush on this - it's a natural bristle brush, with an hourglass shape, and a good length/width, but I didn't love the formula. It is a very dry formula and it doesn’t provide the volume/length drama I want. There are many superior drugstore mascaras that can be purchased at a much lower price point.

No

Lush

Colour Supplement

Light Pink

$ 16.95

I purchased this before I knew that I had yellow/warm undertones. This just never looked good on me because of the wrong undertones. Would definitely not repurchase this color.

I do love these lip balms. They aren't the most moisturizing, and they aren't even always easy to use (I find myself cleaning the ridges of them almost obsessively) but yet I still buy new ones when I see one I don't already own. These are NOT great products - they're gimmicky and easy to throw in your purse.

Yes

CVS

100% Acetone Nail Polish Remover

N/A

$ 3.99

I know that using 100% acetone is bad for my nails, but this stuff gets nail polish off so quickly and I am so impatient that I used the whole thing. I've got other removers in my collection that I am working through that aren't acetone, so I'm giving my nails a bit of a break before I buy more of this. But I WILL buy more of this.

Yes

Evian

Facial Spray

N/A

$ 7.00

Bought as part of a two pack in the Sephora checkout line. There are many other toners/misters that I like better and I found that with both of these products, the nozzle stopped working while there was still product in the canister. I would definitely NOT repurchase.

Received in a subscription box. I liked this okay, and didn't find it too drying, but wasn't impressed enough with any visible results to purchase the full product. Has a light, lemony scent that is not offensive.

No

Liberta

Baby Foot Deep Skin Exfoliation

N/A

$ 25.00

I know so many people rave about this, but it didn't work at all for me. I followed the directions but never found that it removed dead skin on my feet (god that's gross to type). Would not repurchase.

No

Tarte

Maracuja C-brighter eye treatment

N/A

Sample

This came as part of the Tarte holiday 2013 collection. I finished it, and I liked it, but I don't really need a brightening eye cream as much as I need a hydrating one. I don't have issues with dark circles or anything like that. I am mostly trying to plump the area to make my eye wrinkles less noticeable. It's a good product, but not for me at this point in time.

No

Origins

Plantscription anti-aging moisturizer

N/A

Sample

The best thing about this moisturizer is that it has SPF 25 (broad spectrum). I really liked this, but didn't notice any true difference in my skin after a few week's worth of uses. There are other moisturizers that I like better, although I generally enjoy Origins products.

I am so excited to finally have a Lush store in Fresno! I took five empty containers back recently and got this Brazened Honey face mask for free (I have it on my face as I type, actually). I do face masks frequently enough that I can actually use the entire Lush mask within a week of its expiration date. I really do love this mask - it is both hydrating and clearing. I've used it almost every other day when I've been home and it is amazing. I am definitely going to purchase this again once I've give some other masks some love.

I ran out of serums a while ago (I was testing all the serums, if you remember) and stumbled across this at the drugstore. I'm kind of a skincare snob (ignore the harsh toners I use - I'm looking at you, Cass) and so I wanted to give some drugstore products a try. To be honest? I really liked this serum and my skin reacted well to it. Now that I'm using the Tarte Maracuja Oil, we will see just what benefits (if any) I received from the L'Oreal product since I'm NOT using it!

Yes

Mario Badescu

Strawberry Face Scrub

N/A

$ 15.00

I picked up a bunch of Mario Badescu products on HauteLook a few months ago and this was one of them. I used this as the final step in my evening cleansing routine and honestly I did not like the product. The exfoliating bits were too big and too harsh and too FEW and it just made this product very weird. In the evenings I am looking for a deep cleanse to ensure that I get all makeup out of my pores and this was just...no.

Wow. I only got two evening uses out of this, but I loved how this felt on my skin in the evening. It was hydrating but didn't break me out and I felt like my skin looked and felt really lovely and plump when I used this. Would definitely consider purchasing.

I only got a few uses out of this so I can't really give a true opinion. I wish it didn't have a fragrance in it, but other than that I would consider purchasing.

Yes

F*Y

Face Wrap - Avocado & Vitamin E

N/A

Sample

I received this is my New Beauty Test Tube. It wasn't particularly hydrating or luxurious feeling, but I did enjoy it. I don't know that I'd go out of my way to find it, but if I saw it discounted at a TJ Maxx, I'd consider picking it up. How's that for a ringing endorsement?

I only got a few uses of this, but I did like it. I used this as a day moisturizer for the few days I had it. I have a deluxe Algenist sample in my queue and I'm assuming I'll be able to give a more thoughtful opinion once I use that.

This claims to reduce visible signs of stress and flare-ups including skin fatigue and redness with Rose Gallica Abotanical Extract, Mannose and Chamomile. This was also a sample packet so I only got a few uses out of it, but I did like how it felt on my skin. The claims are really interesting to me - my skin reacts strongly to stress and environmental factors, so I'm interested in getting a larger sample from my local Kiehl's counter and trying it over a more extended period of time.

I love the rose sleeping facial so I am already pre-disposed to love this as well. I got three evening uses out of this and LOVED it. I'm learning that because I use an exfoliating cleanser in the evening, combined with my aging skin, means that a heavier, more hydrating moisturizer in the evening is just the thing I need to ensure I keep my skin nice and hydrated.

This doesn't seem to have any added fragrance and is very hydrating. I was able to use this for a few weeks and I liked how it felt on my skin in the evenings. Again - I use hydrating moisturizers in the evening, not in the morning, in order to help my skin repair from the abuse I heap upon it during the day.

Folks - if you don't know about konjac sponges, you need to. Go to Amazon and buy one from Dew Puff - I don't care if it is the original, charcoal, or the clay version, but buy one. These sponges are AMAZING and there's no reason at all to spend the money that Boscia is charging for these at Sephora. These sponges are made from konjac root and when you get them wet they become the most amazing cleansers. You do need to replace them every two months or so.

I've been interested in this line's skincare so was excited when I got this sample. Since I was only able to use it for a few days, I can't speak to much other than the feel was good, the SPF is great, and there's no fragrance to irritate my skin.

I really did like this eye cream. It was thick, smoothing, and hydrating. If you don't like thick, silicone-feeling types of eye creams, you will NOT like this. I found it to be great for me and my aging under eyes!

I used to use Bliss products all the time but have gotten away from them in the last year or so. I found this sample cleanser and decided to finish it up before moving onto something new. I do like how this smells (light, not cloying) and how it cleanses (this was one step in my morning cleansing routine and I liked that it was foaming but not TOO foaming). Would consider purchasing a full-size.

I purchased this as part of a skin care kit while I was traveling in St. Louis in January (I was also sick with the plague. What a horrible trip.) and I really enjoyed this as a second step in my morning cleansing routine. My skin is still acne prone, and the salicylic acid in this helps keep break outs at bay. I already have another one of these in my shower!

I purchased this to be my travel primer and I liked it, but I've figured out something about my morning makeup routine that makes me think I didn't give this a fair shake. So I'm going to try this again and see if I like it better with my new, revised morning makeup routine (it involves NOT using my It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness which I thought was my HG pre-foundation product but maybe is NOT.).

Yes

Ole Henriksen

Truth Crème Advanced Hydration

N/A

Sample

I do like this moisturizer, but I don't find it to be exceptional enough to purchase a full-size version of it. I find the orange-y smell to be too sicky-sweet and so even though the scent does go away, I just don't want to use it.

This was a very very hydrating sheet mask from Beauty Diary. I was worried that this one might have an unpleasant scent (I had nothing to make me believe that - it wasn't a rationale concern) but it was just fine and like I mentioned, it was very hydrating and did not break me out.

I picked these and another variety of these makeup remover pads a couple of months ago when they were on sale at the drug store. I don't have a lot of experience with Almay products and was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked these. My goal is always to remove my eye makeup with as little scrubbing as necessary to protect the delicate skin around the eyes as well as my eyelashes. I was able to use two pads to remove my eye makeup almost entirely and then the rest of my evening cleansing routine took care of the rest of my makeup. I will pick these up again (probably as soon as I see Almay products on sale again).

As I've mentioned in my recent empties, I have switched to using a more hydrating moisturizer overnight as a way to ensure that my skin, even though it tends towards oiliness, is effectively moisturized. I only got a few uses out of this particular moisturizer, but I really, really liked how it felt on my skin after application and when I woke up in the morning. Would definitely consider purchasing a full-size.

If you haven't figured out by now how much I love these, well…then I'm doing a terrible job at blogging about them because I LOVE THESE KONJAC SPONGES and have not been without one for over two years. I do like to have this charcoal sponge in my shower for my morning cleansing routine. If you do decide to check these out, just keep in mind that you'll need to replace them every month to two months.

Yes

Okay, for some randomness:

I'm on a makeup no-buy for June and July. I am giving myself a hall pass for the trip we are taking to Las Vegas at the end of July. Because...SHOPPING IN LAS VEGAS.

I've been making some notes for some different series I would like to do for the blog. I do like doing these empties posts (for myself as much as for anyone else who might get a benefit from them) but I'm also thinking that I'd like to do a series on the makeup I bring when I travel and what I end up using and not using. I think I will also do some collection posts - looking at specific brands (when I only have a few products) or specific types of products (when there are enough to warrant it). Since I'm on the no-buy, I'll also be doing some "Shop my Stash" posts as well as a couple of drugstore only products weeks.

We've got some really fun travel coming up this summer that I am really looking forward to. We'll be celebrating a friend's 40th birthday in Paso Robles, CA, then heading to Boston, MA for family fun, then to Las Vegas at the end of July for Mike's birthday, then to St. Louis for a friend's wedding at the end of August and then it's more birthday fun (MINE!) and wedding fun (my step-daughter's)!

I hope that everyone has planned for the summer the types of activities that make them the happiest. I know that I am definitely looking forward this summer and to spending time with all of my favorite people (and pups).